Canada designates Iran’s IRGC as terrorist group
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Canada designated on Wednesday Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist group.
The designation came under Canada’s Criminal Code after years of mounting pressure.
Canada’s Minister of Public Safety, Dominic LeBlanc, said, “This action sends a strong message that Canada will use all of the tools at its disposal to combat the terrorist entity of the IRGC.”
“Our government will ensure that there is no immunity for Iran’s unlawful actions and its support of terrorism,” he added.
Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mélanie Joly, warned that Canadians in Iran might face a heightened risk of arbitrary detention after the designation’s announcement.
“For those who are in Iran right now, it’s time to come back home,” Joly said. “And for those who are planning to go to Iran, don’t go.”
Canada does not have an embassy in Iran; it cut diplomatic ties with the country in 2012.
The U.S. designated the IRGC as a terrorist group in April 2019.